Nature’s Nursery Seeking Landowners Who Hate Their Neighbors
A man releases a skunk from a pet carrier beside a fence while a dog watches from a neighboring yard.
WATERVILLE, Ohio — Nature’s Nursery is seeking Northwest Ohio landowners with several acres, suitable wildlife habitat and a long-simmering hatred of the people next door to help place dozens of rehabilitated orphan skunks.
The wildlife center has taken in nearly 70 baby skunks this year, a 57% increase, leaving officials searching for release sites in Putnam, Wyandot, Hardin, Henry and Williams counties.
“We need wooded or prairie acreage,” said a Nature’s Nursery representative. “A documented property-line dispute is not required, but applicants with one will be prioritized.”
Ideal candidates include residents whose neighbors mow at 7 a.m., blow grass clippings across the property line, leave dogs barking outside or installed a pole barn light aimed directly into their bedroom.
Because skunks are considered a rabies-vector species, they must be released in the county where they were found, frustrating applicants hoping to deploy them against specific enemies elsewhere.
“So I can’t send eight to my brother-in-law in Lucas County?” asked one disappointed Henry County resident.
Officials stressed the program is about wildlife rehabilitation, not revenge, and discouraged requests for release sites “closer to Gary’s fence.”
Skunks eat insects, rodents and grubs, though prospective hosts have shown considerably more interest in prevailing wind direction.
Residents interested in helping should contact Nature’s Nursery.
Residents without acreage are reminded that their neighbor may have plenty.
Seriously: Nature’s Nursery really is seeking suitable release properties. Read 13abc’s original report for details on how to help.